Kaʻū News Briefs July 3, 2024

When USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory HVO geologists recently moved temporary webcams, they revisited the site of the June 3 eruption. This photo looks downrift, with the June 3 pad of lava in the upper right. Extensive cracking uprift of the fissure had weak residual outgassing and vibrant sulfur deposits. USGS Photo by M. Patrick

OPPORTUNITIES IN DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY is the subject of a new University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization study. It points to water transportation, aquaculture, fishing and other water related enterprise as having large potential while being "underperforming" in Hawai'i. It notes that the study "reflects in part what is already known to Kanaka Maoli, given Hawaiʻi’s history of Polynesian ocean-faring and fishponds."

    Suggestions include boat building, finfish farming and hatcheries, seafood preparation and packaging,

Boatbuilding is a suggestion in the new study on diversifying
 the economy from U.H. Economic Research Organization.
This wa'a kalua, double hulled canoe was crafted by Kaʻū 
boatbuilder Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa.

finfish fishing and shellfish fishing. "These all seem logical diversification options given Hawaiʻi’s location in the Pacific Ocean providing the necessary natural resource. Industries are also more likely to remain in the long term if they rely on local resources."
    The report written by Steve Bond-Smith and Sumit Ilamkar, of UHERO, says, "The economy of Hawaiʻi is extraordinarily concentrated in the tourism industry. As a result of tourism’s dominance, Hawaiʻi’s economy faces short-term risks from shocks that impact visitor numbers and long-term stagnation from flat and volatile tourism spending over the last three decades. In response to these issues—which became especially salient during the COVID-19 pandemic—policymakers in Hawaiʻi increasingly emphasize the need to diversify. Still, it is not clear which industries Hawaiʻi could diversify into.

    The study posed three questions and provides the following analyses:
    What is the case for diversifying the Hawaiʻi economy? Specializing is natural for a small open economy. Small and isolated economies are less able to access the productivity benefits of external increasing returns to scale. External increasing returns describe how the productivity of firms can increase with the size of something external to the firm such as a market, city, or industry. Small, open, and isolated places tend to become more specialized because it creates a local external scale—the scale of their industry specialization—that offers similar productivity advantages. Specialization initially generates growth due to external scale economies. But if various developmental barriers have prevented some industries from emerging, then Hawai‘i could be over-specialized. Specialization generates both short and long-term risks due to greater exposure to a single industry.
    With this theoretical basis, we show how Hawaiʻi initially benefited from specializing in the tourism industry and how this specialization now exposes Hawaiʻi to short and long-term risks. These risks are especially apparent when we examine how total visitor spending has been relatively flat for decades, punctured by periodic crises. In this way, diversification is not an end in itself but aims to build a more resilient economy that is less exposed to the short- and long-term risks that to some extent can be expected in a small and open economy like Hawai‘i.

    What are the opportunities for diversifying Hawai’i’s economy? To find diversification opportunities we apply the Principle of Relatedness (Hidalgo et. al., 2018), which predicts regional diversification patterns and informs prioritization of economic development initiatives. We studied the industrial composition of all counties in the US to measure relatedness between industries. Two industries are described as related because they probably require similar conditions if they appear together frequently. With this understanding of the relationships between industries in US counties, we examine the industrial composition of Hawaiʻi’s counties to identify underperforming industries with a higher probability of being stronger because they are related to existing strengths.

     See a summary and the complete report at https://uhero.hawaii.edu/potential-opportunities-to-diversify-the-economy-of-hawai%ca%bbi/

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WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS FROM HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK are on the mainland assisting with structure protection efforts during the #PioneerFire. The Park notes that careers in the

National Park Service wildland fire "can take you to national parks across the country! From battlefields in the Northeast, the prairies of the Midwest, the forests of the Rocky Mountains, and to the wilderness of Alaska, we're recruiting future leaders that will shape wildland fire management, face the threats of climate change, refine policy, and maintain a safe and healthy environment for our workforce."

    Learn more about wildland fire careers in the National Park Service at: https://go.nps.gov/wfcareers.
Looking for a career in wildland fire? Apply today https://wlf-nps.usajobs.gov/
#NWFFD

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CRUISING CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD: RECENT EARTHQUAKES AND PAST VOLCANISM IS THE subject of this week's Volcano Watch from USGS Hawai'i Vocanoes Observatory scientists and affilates:
    The upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea was a shaky place this past weekend. This region extends southeast from Kaluapele (Kīlauea's summit caldera) to Maunaulu, and earthquakes here can reflect pressurization of Kīlauea's summit magma storage system.
Between June 27 and July 1, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) detected nearly 1,500 earthquakes beneath the UERZ. Activity peaked during the late evening of Saturday, June 29, when more than 30 earthquakes happened per hour. Activity slowly decreased on Sunday and returned to pre-swarm levels on Monday, July 1.

This reference map depicts the features on Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone. Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park follows the path of the upper East Rift Zone. Pit craters, thermal areas, and lava flows are evidence of a long history of magma moving along this rift zone pathway. Upper East Rift Zone eruptions have typically occurred near the southeast margin of Kaluapele, or where the upper East Rift Zone meets the middle East Rift Zone near Pauahi Crater. USGS map

    Most earthquakes in this swarm were smaller than magnitude-2, but there were several large enough to be felt by neighboring communities, including five earthquakes magnitude-3 or higher. The earthquakes stayed at depths of 1–4 km (0.6–2.5 mi) below the ground surface and were not accompanied by any significant changes in ground deformation.
    Although the earthquakes were located beneath the UERZ, there were no indications that magma was moving toward the surface to possibly erupt in this area. This swarm was likely related to the buildup of pressure beneath Kīlauea's summit, as magma accumulates in underground storage system. Similar seismic swarms beneath the UERZ were observed earlier this year, in April and May, when magma was accumulating and pressurizing the summit before the last eruption on June 3. In those cases, seismic unrest moved away from the UERZ and became focused at other locations south of Kaluapele and toward the Southwest Rift Zone prior to that eruption.
    However, eruptions have occurred along the UERZ in the past. There have been approximately 50 intrusions and 5 eruptions in the UERZ over the past 60 years; the most recent eruption was 45 years ago.

    Luamanu Crater is first, and here you are still technically in Kīlauea caldera, marked by outer faults that parallel the modern topographic extent of Kaluapele. At this location, you also drive past lava flows that erupted over three days in July of 1974. This eruption began in Keanakākoʻi Crater, and vents extended northwest into the modern caldera and southeast to Luamanu Crater; lava flows covered the eastern part of the modern caldera floor and traveled to the southeast, covering part of Chain of Craters Road. As you continue driving, you pass Puhimau, Koʻokoʻolau, Devil's Throat, Hiʻiaka, and Pauahi craters. 

Location where the May 1973 lava flows on Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone cross Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

    Based on the age of the surrounding lava flows, we know that these craters formed within the past 750 years. In each case, void space beneath the ground surface resulted in a crater forming by collapse. Between Puhimau and Koʻokoʻolau craters, you'll drive through a large area where rising steam and broomsedge grass contrasts with the surrounding ʻŌhiʻa forest. This is the Puhimau thermal area. In the 1930s, earthquake swarms occurred, the ground cracked, and vegetation began to die. Since then, the soil has remained hot and the area has grown to about 50 acres (0.2 sq km). Geophysical studies show that magma is present just a few hundred meters (around 1,000 ft) beneath the ground surface. Near Hiʻiaka crater, you'll drive through lava flows from a 7-hour eruption in May 1973. Shortly after, you'll drive through the youngest UERZ lava flows that erupted over a day in November 1979 in and near Pauahi Crater. Other eruptions in this area were in November 1973 (29 days long) and August 1968 (5 days long).
From there, the rift zone turns east toward the cape of Kumukahi (the Island of Hawaiʻi's easternmost point). Now, the prominent Maunaulu lava shield will be visible as Chain of Craters Road passes through Maunaulu lava flows. Maunaulu was active from 1969–1971 and, after a three and a half month pause, from 1972–1974.
    The recent UERZ earthquake swarm was likely related to increasing pressurization of the magmatic system underlying Kīlauea summit, but we know based on our drive down Chain of Craters Road that magma does sometimes erupt in this area. Kīlauea's summit continues to inflate following the brief June 3 eruption and HVO will continue to closely monitor for signs of change.

Volcano Activity Updates
    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
    Over the past week, more than 1,600 events occurred beneath Kīlauea's summit region and extending southeast into the upper East Rift Zone. Most events were smaller than M2 and occurred during the June 27-July 1 swarm beneath the upper East Rift Zone. Inflationary ground deformation has continued in the

summit region following the June 3 eruption, indicating that magma is repressurizing the storage system. Unrest may continue to wax and wane with changes to the input of magma.

    Currently, there are no signs of an imminent eruption, but changes can occur quickly, as can the potential for eruption. The most recent summit sulfur dioxide emission rate measured was approximately 75 tonnes per day on June 28, 2024. Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    Six earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.9 earthquake 6 km (3.7 mi) SSE of Volcano at 1.5 km (1 mi) depth on July 1 at 5:39 a.m. HST, a M3.2 earthquake 6 km (3 mi) S of Volcano at 0 km (0 mi) depth on June 30 at 3:31 p.m. HST, a M3.0 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) S of Volcano at 1 km (0.5 mi) depth on June 29 at 11:27 p.m. HST, a M2.7 earthquake 7 km (7 mi) S of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on June 29 at 8:55 p.m. HST, a M3.4 earthquake 6 km (4 mi) S of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on June 27 at 3:35 p.m. HST, and a M2.9 earthquake 6 km (4 mi) SSW of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on June 27 at 3:32 p.m. HST.

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POLICE ARRESTED 17 FOR DUI ON HAWAI'I ISLAND duuring the week of June 24 through June 30, 2024. Hawai‘i Island police arrested them for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the

drivers were involved in a traffic accident.
    So far this year, there have been 484 DUI arrests compared with 493 during the same period last year, a decrease of 1.83 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 498 major crashes so far this year, compared with 429 during the same time last year, an increase of 16.08 percent.
    To date, there have been 18 fatal crashes, resulting in 20 fatalities (two of which had multiple deaths and one crash was reclassified as a suicide), compared with nine fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths, and one died at a later date) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 100 percent for fatal crashes and 100 percent for fatalities.
    In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is zero compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
   HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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Kaʻū News Briefs July 2, 2024

Hawai'i County Band marched and played in the OKK Indpendence Day Parade last Saturday 
and returns to the Volcano Parade at 8:30 a.m. this Thursday, July 4. Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE IKAIKA KAILIAWA-SMITH has issued a statement regarding his campaign for the election that is coming up this month, with voting in the non-partisan race mostly from ballots that come in the mai from late July into early August. He writes that his platform aligns with concerns about sustainable agriculture and food production.

County Council Candidate Ikaika-Kailiawa Smith

    Kailiawa-Smith said he is dedicated to addressing food security issues and lowering costs for residents by promoting local egg production and dairy farming. He said he aims to support the construction of slaughter facilities for livestock and poultry, "which could help lower food costs and promote local farming."
    Kailiawa-Smith also said he recognizes the financial struggles faced by retired individuals and is committed to removing property taxes for retirees on a fixed income. "This initiative aims to provide financial relief to those who have contributed to society for many years.
    Regarding public safety, Kailiawa-Smith said he plans to address the issue of violent criminals and mentally unstable individuals on the streets by implementing measures to remove them from communities.     

    He also said he supports the construction of sub stations for police and fire departments to improve response times and overall safety for residents.
    Kailiawa-Smith said he is dedicated to "making positive changes in Hawai'i by addressing important issues like food security, taxes, public safety, and government accountability, and that his commitment to these causes makes him a strong candidate for office.

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FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS COME TO A COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR & BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle.
    The state Department of Health Public Health Educator Paul Strauss, who works with the Hawai'i

District Health Office in Kealakekua, is helping to organize and spread the word for the event. He said that Project Vision, KTA Pharmacy, as well as other community partners will provide the free health screenings and information for the public.

    Screenings include: Vaccinations, physicals, hearing checks, eye exams and eye glasses, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, checks, and more.
    For keiki there will be: school physicals, vision screenings and glasses, hearing tests, and keiki vaccinations, back packs and school supplies giveaway
    Keiki IDs will be provided by the Hawai'i County Police Department
    For more, contact Strauss at paul.strauss@doh.hawaii.gov. Phone 808-322-1513.

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THE COUNTY REMINDS THE PUBLIC ABOUT ITS KAʻŪ MEETING ON HOUSING, which is set for next Tuesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St.
    The County of Hawai'i Office of Housing & Community Development is hosting public meetings around the island to gather community input for the development of its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.

  "Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community. Join us in these public meetings to ensure that every perspective is heard, and every need is addressed,” said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz.     “Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island.
   A statement from the county says the "Consolidated Plan serves as a vital blueprint, ensuring that communities receiving federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assistance effectively address the housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families. It aims to enhance the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing within suitable living environments."

    The County of Hawaiʻi’s CP will outline the needs, priorities, funding plans, and program certification requirements over the five-year period between 2025 and 2029. Submission of the CP to HUD is required for the County of Hawaiʻi to receive its annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocations. Similarly, the State relies on the CP to obtain its annual HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) allocations.
    To meet federal requirements and the County of Hawaiʻi's Citizen Participation Plan, a series of public meetings are being conducted at locations and times on Hawaiʻi Island. "These meetings offer an opportunity for engagement with diverse communities to solicit views and comments on goals and priorities related to housing, community development, and homelessness for the upcoming five years."

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POLICE URGE SAFE DRIVING THIS JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY WEEKEND. As the holiday approaches, Hawai‘i Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, remind Hawai‘i Island residents to drive sober as part of the nationa Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving awareness campaign. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair the ability to drive safely. For instance, a blood alcohol concentration as low as .02 can affect multitasking abilities, significantly impacting driving skills.    

    Historically, the Fourth of July sees an increase in impaired driving crashes, putting lives at risk. During the month of July between 2018 and 2023, 11 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on Big island

roads.
    Alcohol impairment was involved in 39 percent of all Hawai‘i Island fatal traffic crashes from 2018 through 2023. That percentage climbs to nearly 69 percent when drug impairment is included. In the first half of 2024, there have been 20 traffic fatalities across Hawai‘i Island, compared to 10 this time last year. There have also been 498 major traffic crashes to date in 2024, a 16 percent increase over the 429 traffic crashes that occurred by this time last year.
    Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, said, “Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force this Fourth of July to ensure our roads stay safe. Please do your part and drive safely so everyone makes it home alive,” He also offered the following
    Tips for Celebrating Safely and Getting Home Without Driving:Plan ahead: If you're planning to drink, arrange for a sober ride home before the festivities begin.
    Designate a sober driver: Even if you've had just one drink, ensure your driver has consumed no alcohol whatsoever.
    Offer non-alcoholic options: If you're hosting a gathering, provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to support designated drivers.
    Intervene responsibly: If a friend intends to drive impaired, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home.
    Report impaired driving: If you witness an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 911.
Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, it’s your best defense against crashes.Remember, impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol; drug-impaired driving poses a similar danger. Whether legal or illegal, driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal. “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.”

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Kaʻū News Briefs July 1, 2024

Aerial view of Keanakākoʻi crater and old Crater Rim Drive with Luamanu crater and Chain of Craters Road in the distance, taken May 29, 2020. USGS photo

EXPECT TEMPORARY CLOSURES IF VOLCANIC UNREST CONTINUES in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Though Kīlauea volcano is not erupting, a sudden spike in earthquakes began over the weekend southeast of the summit in the vicinity of Chain of Craters Road between Puhimau and Luamanu craters.
    Over the past day, the seismic activity has moved closer to the summit between Keanakākoʻi and Koʻokoʻolau craters in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. According to USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), 350 earthquakes were detected, as of Monday morning on July 1, over the previous 24 hours, with the largest a magnitude - 3.4 event at a depth of 1.2 miles (2 km) at 5:39 a.m. HST.
    The Park reports that there are no closures related to the seismic swarm at this time. Temporary area closures could occur if seismicity increases. If an eruption occurs, visitors should expect the eruption site to close immediately while the park assesses if safe access is possible.
    According to HVO, there are no signs of an imminent eruption, but any substantial increase in seismicity and/or deformation could result in a new eruptive episode. Magma has been repressurizing the storage system beneath Halemaʻumaʻu following the short-lived June 3, 2024 eruption near the upper Southwest Rift Zone.
    Visitors should plan ahead and check the park website for updates.

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Halapē will be the site of backcountry trail maintenance in July by the National Park Service. NPS photo

FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK are announced for July 2024:

    July 15 and 19 between 10 a.m. and noon, for external sling loads of equipment, tools and camping gear to Halapē shelter for backcountry trail maintenance between 50- and 3,300-ft. elevation.
    July 30 between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. for invasive fountain grass control work from the Kaʻū boundary to Keauhou, and from the coastal backcountry to the 4,000-ft. elevation.
In addition, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS HVO) is planning a mission to the floor of Kīlauea caldera:
    July 15 – 18 between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., to transport USGS HVO crew and equipment to and from a seismic monitoring station on the caldera floor near Uēaloha (Byron Ledge) for maintenance and upgrades around the 4,000-ft. elevation.
    USGS HVO may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.

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A TALK STORY SESSION WITH FILIPINO LEADERS will be open to the public online on Wednesday July 3, Hawai'i Time at 4 p.m. via zoom. The sponsor is Hawai'i Philippines Business Economic Council and the topic is Envisioning a Future that Fosters Statewide Collaboration & Cooperation. Register at https://bit.ly/hpbecjuly24. Panelists are:

     Rose Y. Bautista, Past President of the Big Island Filipino Chamber of Commerce. She is an immigration lawyer and has over 20 years of experience providing services in immigration and nationality law. She served as Executive Assistant to Mayor Harry Kim (2016-2020) and as Hawai’i County’s Immigration Specialist (2001-2016) where she assisted thousands of immigrants navigate thru the complexities of immigration law. In 2016, she received the Big Island YWCA’s “Remarkable People” Award

        Melody Calisay, current FCCH president is the owner of East West Marketing, Inc. a supplier of processed food products from the Philippines which she established in 1998. The company supplies to all islands in Hawai’i, providing foods to Filipinos to make them feel closer to home. She received her BS & MS from UP Los Banos and a doctorate in soil science and agronomy from the UH Manoa. She recently retired from the State of Hawai’i as Brownfields Coordinator after serving for more than 20 years. She is a past president of the UPAAH; is on the board of the HPBEC and a member of FAUW and others.
       Elvi Sutherland is the president-elect of the FCCH. She is President of Amethyst Builders LLC a General Contractor established in 2012 and is an SBA Certified 8a Women-Owned Company. A licensed Civil Engineer in Hawai’i since 2006, she graduated from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines. She is a past president of the Filipino American League of Engineers and Architects (FALEA) and the FCCH’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. Born and raised in Banaue, Ifugao Province in the Philippines, she will be the first FCCH President from the Cordillera Autonomous Region, home of the Igorot indigenous tribes.
      Dominic Suguitan is the President of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce. He is a Commercial Appraiser for American Savings Bank. He was born in the Big Island and grew up in Wailuku where he attended Baldwin High School, UH Maui College, then graduated from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa with a degree in communications. Before ASB, he was a Commercial Banking Officer at Central Pacific Bank, and he worked in the real estate appraisers’ industry. Throughout his career, Dominic served in various leadership positions in the community, and was the 2022 president for the Kiwanis Club of Kahului.

   

    Marites Yano lives in Lihu'e, Kaua'i and is the President of Kaua'i Filipino Chamber of Commerce. (KFCC). Originally from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, she retired in February 2023 as the Waterworks Controller of the Department of Water, County of Kaua'i after serving for 22 years. She owns and manages two Subway franchise locations in Lihu'e.
    Dylan Andrion serves as the founding President of the West Hawai'i Filipino Chamber of Commerce. He has a diverse background in full-time ministry, media production, and the hospitality industry. Today, he is a private coach and consultant partnering with individuals and businesses to develop their leadership skills. He is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach, for leadership expert and author John Maxwell. Dylan has served previously as a board member of COFACC, representing the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
    Jane Caballero Clement is the President of the Kona Visayan Club, one of the active organizations that advocate for the large Filipino community in West Hawai'i. She is also on the board of WHFCC. Jane is currently the Executive Assistant and Sister City Protocol Officer to Mayor Mitch Roth at the County of Hawai'i since March 1, 2021. An entrepreneur at heart, she is also the Owner of Deep Steam Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners. Prior to joining the county, she was the Public Affairs Manager for Strategies 360 and the community consultant for Electric Light Company.

    Rovie Jay Dacumos is president of the Honolulu Filipino Jaycees. He graduated from UHM in 2021 earning degrees in Fine Arts and in Filipino Language and Literature. He currently works for the Marine Corps Community Services as a graphic designer creating materials to promote Marine Corps Base Hawai'i's various programs. He joined the FJH during COVID restrictions in search of a community of people who share the same interest in Filipino culture and to step out of his comfort zone and develop his professional skills. His interests include Philippine folk dance, art, and video games.
    Moderator Rose Mendoza is Executive Director of HPBEC. She is President/Owner of Nature’s Atmospheric Water Systems (powered by AKVO), an air to water technology which provides complete water independence. She has more than 25 years in the HR profession and was associated with Prince Waikiki and Zippys. She is also a licensed financial services professional, educating the community about various ways to accumulate wealth and create a comfortable retirement. An active board member and past president of the FCCH, she also is a board member of the Kalihi Palama Health Center for a decade. Community service is high on her agenda—and “life is a dance” is her motto—treasuring and enjoying each moment and learning from the experience.

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Kaʻū News Briefs June 30, 2024

Fire Chief Kazuo Todd sent out a reminder for the July 4 weekend, noting that sky lanterns
are banned. He also detailed other rules. 

FIREWORKS PERMITS ARE ISSUED THROUGH THIS THURSDAY, JULY 4 at 8 p.m., according to Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. He said that permits and firecrackers may be purchased only at

TNT Tent @ Safeway Parking Lot 381 E. Makaʻala St. in Hilo and TNT Tent @ Walmart Parking Lot 75-1015 Henry St. in Kona.
    Each permit costs $25 and will enable the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits will be issued to persons 18 years of age or older and are nontransferable and non-refundable.
    Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers.
    Firecrackers (with a valid permit) and consumer fireworks (s) are allowed to be set off during the approved hours of 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4th only, said the Fire Chief.
    He also advised that it is unlawful to buy, sell, possess, or set off any Aerial Luminous Device, such as Sky Lanterns and Hawai'i Lanterns. Any person in possession of an Aerial Luminous Device who would like to dispose of it with amnesty can contact Fireworks Auditor Kamuela Moraes at 808-938-1253.

Chief Todd reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to:
    Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework(s);
    Throw firework(s) from a vehicle;
    Set off any firework(s):
         At any time not within the time period allowed;
         Within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly or animal hospital;

    In or on any school building or property;
    On any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public way; in any park, or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held.
    It is illegal for any person to offer for sale, sell, or give any firework(s) to minors, and for any minor to possess, sell, set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firework, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.
    The Hawaiʻi Fire Department also asks everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by firework(s):
    Have a water hose connected to a water source or a fire extinguisher readily available. Wet down surrounding brush prior to setting off firework(s) if need be.
    Children playing with firework(s) shall be under adult supervision at all times. Even the smallest of firework(s) can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
    Firework(s) should be set off in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials.
    Dispose of used firework(s) properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.
    Hawaiʻi Fire Department will conduct a collection of unused and unwanted firework(s) following the 4th of July holiday. Anyone interested in disposing of firework(s) should call Fireworks Auditor Kamuela Moraes of the Fire Prevention Branch at 808-938-1253 for further information regarding the pick-up and drop-off locations. Please DO NOT drop off firework(s) at local fire stations.
    There will be public fireworks displays at:
Barge located off-shore in Hilo Bay at approximately 8 p.m.
· Barge located off-shore near One'o Bay in Kailua-Kona at approximately 8 p.m.
For more information on the purchasing of fireworks permits, disposal of firework(s), or tips on the safe use of firework(s), call Fireworks Auditor Kamuela Moraes at 808-938-1253.

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 KA'U NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH IS MAILE (Alyxia stellata) for the July column Lāʻau Letters: Native Plants of Kaʻū by Jodie Rosam with illustration by Joan Yoshioka Read about Kaʻū’s native plants and their moʻolelo (stories), uses, preferred habitats, and opportunities to adopt them for stewardship. This column seeks to encourage making new plant friends and to reunite with others.
    Description: Graduation season has just ended, which is why this month we are talking about maile. Maile is a well-known, partially-woody, sprawling liana in the dogbane or Apocynaceae family. It is a cousin to the native trees hōlei (Ochrosia spp.), two species of kaulu (Pteralyxia spp.) and hao (Rauvolfia
sandwicensis), and the non-native plumeria. Between two and four green and glossy leaves emerge from each node and can be quite variable, so it is no surprise that there are multiple names for maile relative to their forms, such as: maile haʻi wale (brittle maile), maile lau nui (big-leaved maile), maile lau liʻi (small-leaved maile), maile lau liʻi liʻi (very small-leaved maile), and maile kaluhea (fragrant maile). The leaves, flowers, and bark all contain the organic chemical compound coumarin, which is responsible for the strong yet sweet scent we all associate with maile. When crushed, the leaves smell similar to lauaʻe, as do the small white or yellow flowers, and the stripped bark smells almost like vanilla and honey with a dash of cinnamon. Maile produces deep purple, olive-shaped drupes (fruits) which typically ripen in the winter months and are a favorite food of native forest birds, such as the ʻōmaʻo.

  Uses: Maile was formerly a very common component of Hawaiʻi’s forests, and its uses were plentiful. It makes sense that many uses were centered around its aroma. Scented plants like maile were stored with kapa (cloth) that was used for clothing and bedding to give them a sweet smell. Maile kaluhea was also used to make a washing fluid for lacerations or abscesses and in sweat or steam baths. Maile was also used for bird catching (and maile is a name for a snare used to catch kōlea or plovers around the leg). Maile is a major component in hula because of its association with Laka and its importance to the forest.
    Maile was also historically prized for lei making, which is undoubtedly the most well-known use of this plant today, as maile lei are popular for weddings and graduations. While there are a few commercial maile growers, many lei makers tend to harvest maile in the forests. There is a reason why maile is the plant of the month right now - to highlight the direct association between an increase in unsustainable maile harvesting for lei around graduation times and the decrease in wild populations of maile in our forests. I encourage you to get creative next year, and try using plant materials other than maile to drape around and celebrate the graduate in your ʻohana. Together we can bring maile back to abundance!

    Habitat: Maile’s natural range spans from Hawaiʻi Island to Kauaʻi and in vegetation types from dry to closed-canopy wet forests from approximately 150 to 6,500 feet elevation. Again, while maile was a very common component of mesic to wet native forests, it is becoming much more scarce. Unsustainable harvesting methods and general overharvesting for profit around graduation season has had a detrimental impact on this species specifically, notably in the forests of Kaʻū. With time to heal, however, maile could very well be one of the most common species encountered once again.

    Growing and Purchasing: There are a few commercial maile growers (which should be applauded for taking the pressure off of the forests!), so you can grow your own maile at home and harvest from that as you please. Maile is quite individualistic when not naturally-occurring, so take the time to get to know your plant’s sun requirements before you place her into the ground. Maile like partial sun and a decent amount of water, just be sure the soil is well drained. Maile tend to do best when planted with friends such as ʻōhiʻa or hāpuʻu, so they make a great addition to the native plant garden you have started. Once established, play around with pruning at the nodes to encourage vigorous growth. I highly encourage you to bring maile into your life, and remember that we have the chance right now to change the trajectory of the fate of this species persistence in the forests.

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MAYOR MITCH ROTH WALKED the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade with his wife Noriko and later met with the public at Nāʻālehu School Gym on June 29.

Mayor Mitch Roth and his wife Noriko in the Independence Day Parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

    He entertained questions about animal control and increasing police presence, especially for Ocean View with its property crimes. Citizens asked him about wildfire prevention particularly in Discovery Harbour and Green Sands. The subject came up on incentivizing home and business owners to end the use of cesspools before the deadline a quarter century.
Roth said that increasing the police force is in the plans, involving a stepped up a continuous police
recruiting campaign islandwide, with more frequent and larger police academy training sessions. "We need more police officers."

    He said that an animal shelter in Kaʻū is in the works with site selection needed. He said the county is also working on animal shelters for Waimea and Kohala. County Council member Michelle Galimba attended the session and focused on the animal control and animal shelter project, which she has spearheaded on the County Council. Roth noted that the county animal shelter system has gone through a number of transitions in recent years, from being run by the Humane Society to another private contractor and temporarily to the police department. He said the county has its own department now and "We are building back." He called animal control "a huge issue" and noted that an Ocean View resident has been hired, along with a Nāʻālehu resident to work on animal control and sheltering.
    Roth also noted the need to encourage more people to become volunteer fire fighters and more to apply for training to become county firefighters.
He talked about South Point road repairs, Wai‘ōhinu Park bathrooms, improvements to the input ramp at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer station, and other projects.
He said countywide, there have been many improvements. He mentioned the county's high bond rating and talked about his vision of a sustainable Hawai'i where keiki could grow up here, stay for work and raise their families.

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